Multiple computers using DSL w/out router?

[weshuang]

Hmm, Powerline, huh? I take it this is a new technology?

If I understand the Netgear link you provided, I would need to buy a conventional (i.e., wired) dsl router, then the powerline router, and use them together.

Why is powerline the hot technology over phoneline?

 

[rw120555]

Yes, you would need a router, and then at least two powerline devices -- one you would hook up to the router, and the other you would use for connecting one or more machines off in the distance. I think routers with powerline built in are supposed to be coming out, but I haven't seem them yet.

As to why powerline is hotter than phoneline -- hard to say, other than powerline is newer. Powerline is potentially more convenient, in that you have more electrical outlets than you do phone jacks. I think phoneline made a lot of marketing and technical mistakes, which powerline has learned from. Phoneline may be low key until the new 3.0 standard comes out in a year, which is supposed to be 10 times faster. It is also possible I underestimate phoneline's current popularity -- a lot of dsl providers now push the 2wire homeportal, which includes phoneline support.

Anyway, phoneline is certainly fine too, and you may be able to find cheap stuff on ebay. For more info on it, see www.homepna.org